How are your finances?

[FriendlyJosh]

I recently read a thread on another forum about how a guy received a letter of employment and almost cried because he had been applying for jobs for 2 years.

I read another story of a guy with a PHD working at taco bell and when he left for a teaching position, his boss became his student and the guy ended up helping the student get a scholarship.

Another story of a guys wife losing her job at a university because they couldn't afford her 30k a year salary, then after they threw some massive 10 year celebration costing 50k alone for some sculpture. Anyway The husband sent a letter angry about this to the higher ups there and I guess her boss eventually got his pay cut then fired. His wife remained unemployed for over a year I think and he talked about how they struggled, emotional and psychologically. They never went hungry but had to get rid of cable and internet and eat food that wasn't very good just to survive. The wife ended up getting a good job though and they're doing better now.

I've also read many other stories of people who've sent out application after applications for months to years with no luck. And how you can make your unemployment(which can pay better than a lowbie job at say walmart) lower by taking such a job.

I saw many who were over qualified saying they couldn't find a job because employers didn't want to hire someone they thought would leave in a few months too.


So how are your finances doing? Do you have a job? Struggling to find one? I'll happy offer prayers to anyone that needs them, I don't have a job myself but am trying to make money online doing the only thing i'm good at.

 

[gurneyhalleck1]

These are dark, dark times for this country financially. I'm a teacher of 14 years seniority. Despite living in the WORST State fiscally, California, I've been amazingly blessed to keep my job and only have had to deal with five years of pay cuts, freezes, and furloughs. I know I could've had it WAY worse. My parents have had to help us out $$$ a few times on various things, we're in major credit car debt, and we're barely affording life. We don't get through a month without going in hock.

God willing, my wife will be an RN registered nurse after the Fall semester is over. She is taking an OR (operating room) internship this summer that put us in more debt but will give her certification and thus a feather in her cap for a job.

God willing, our income will DOUBLE next year. I can hardly wait to pay off the stinkin' credit cards and start saving $$$ while paying down our house.

We just got a refinance on our home that will save us another $200 per month on our house payment.

So, I'm blessed despite these being tough times. Even though California is a cotton-pickin' disaster, I know someday soon we'll pull out of this.

 

[gurneyhalleck1]

-----doubled my post

 

[FriendlyJosh]

These are dark, dark times for this country financially. I'm a teacher of 14 years seniority. Despite living in the WORST State fiscally, California, I've been amazingly blessed to keep my job and only have had to deal with five years of pay cuts, freezes, and furloughs. I know I could've had it WAY worse. My parents have had to help us out $$$ a few times on various things, we're in major credit car debt, and we're barely affording life. We don't get through a month without going in hock.

God willing, my wife will be an RN registered nurse after the Fall semester is over. She is taking an OR (operating room) internship this summer that put us in more debt but will give her certification and thus a feather in her cap for a job.

God willing, our income will DOUBLE next year. I can hardly wait to pay off the stinkin' credit cards and start saving $$$ while paying down our house.

We just got a refinance on our home that will save us another $200 per month on our house payment.

So, I'm blessed despite these being tough times. Even though California is a cotton-pickin' disaster, I know someday soon we'll pull out of this.

I wish I could send blessings through this site but won't let me for some reason, anyway I appreciate you having the courage to talk about your struggles. I know California is a beautiful state, probably one of the most desired because of the weather/attractions, but obviously incredibly pricey for the same reason. I have some family that have houses out there, not sure how they're doing though. I'm glad your wife is working hard towards her new degree and I hope The Lord Blesses you and yours with better finances soon. The stress you guys are going through must be really difficult but at least you have each other, and family there for you. The longevity you have as being a teacher definitely an asset too. Good teachers always in demand, although the pay cuts are sad. That's the kind of stuff that makes me mad, those who are helping mold the next generation get shafted while a guy can go out on a court, toss a ball in a hoop and get millions, but I suppose that's basic economics, still annoying. But anyway maybe in a few years the economy will bounce back and all this will be a distant memory.

 

[gurneyhalleck1]

Hi Josh, blessings to you also and thanks for your warm post.

I'm a public employee, and public employees are scapegoated as the problem with our country right now. Sadly our country has turned into a middle class civil war where union workers like myself are seen as blood-sucking vampires with lavish entitlements...

California is pretty messy, and most people are upside down on their houses. We're about $55,000 upside down in equity. It'll take years to get rightside up again, but I'm not sweatin' it. I love my home, neighborhood is good, I'm happy with my garden, 4 bedrooms so there's room for all 3 kiddos to have their own bedroom, and hey, I have my guitars, man. Fender Telecasters getcha through the blues of a bad economy!

But like I said, I don't have it rough. There are thousands of teachers laid-off in California and other teachers who've taken enormous pay cuts that dwarf mine. It's an unrespected profession in so many ways, and financially nowdays there's little reason to put up with the amount of bull we put up with unless you 100% LOVE TEACHING and are willing to put up with all the garbage to make a difference. It's a misunderstood profession, for sure. I feel blessed to have my job and my benefits that are left. And with the Scott Walkers of the world out prowling the countryside, as a union employee, I'm savoring what I have.

Blessings, brother

I wish I could send blessings through this site but won't let me for some reason, anyway I appreciate you having the courage to talk about your struggles. I know California is a beautiful state, probably one of the most desired because of the weather/attractions, but obviously incredibly pricey for the same reason. I have some family that have houses out there, not sure how they're doing though. I'm glad your wife is working hard towards her new degree and I hope The Lord Blesses you and yours with better finances soon. The stress you guys are going through must be really difficult but at least you have each other, and family there for you. The longevity you have as being a teacher definitely an asset too. Good teachers always in demand, although the pay cuts are sad. That's the kind of stuff that makes me mad, those who are helping mold the next generation get shafted while a guy can go out on a court, toss a ball in a hoop and get millions, but I suppose that's basic economics, still annoying. But anyway maybe in a few years the economy will bounce back and all this will be a distant memory.

 

[sylverpiano]

Hi there, Josh!

If you would have asked this question of me a few years ago, my reply would have been pretty bleak. I had just returned from being hospitalized for depression. My brother had just gone through a rather nasty divorce and was living at my place while I was "away."

Both of us were in pretty poor shape, both mentally and financially. The building where I live was up for sale. The first floor had some rental space that was occupied, so we pooled what money we had and made a down payment. The income was just barely enough to make the building payments and keep food on the table.

Bennie is pretty smart, and had been working as a broker before his divorce. He studied the market pretty had and made some good guesses as to which way the market would go. We won the first roll, which freed us up a little. We bought a second building a few blocks away, and that got us started.

We expanded from there and now do property management on contract. We provide maintenance and repair for six office buildings, three apartment complexes and a rather upscale group of condos.

We are still building and plowing the profits back in to grow the business. We recently added lawn and snow removal to our services.

In a down economy, We have hired thirty people in the last three years.

I thank my Lord and Savior for all of this.

 

[Miss Shelby]

finances aren't great but most of that is my own fault. I have a decent job and a good employer.

 

[ProScribe]

How are your finances?

I live with my mom and contribute to the monthly bill payments. Money-wise, I'm doing pretty good.

 

[princess_ballet]

At the very moment, not so hot, I suppose. I mean, I have a LOT of debt from just graduating from law school.

That being said, I have a job lined up for after law school that should pay decent (at least, I told him what I had to have and he said that was good, and then threw in benefits). I plan on living with my parents for a couple years to pay down the student loans quickly.

If that fails, then I have another job lined up behind the first (but I would really, really not want to have to take this one).

So, give me four months and things should be looking pretty nice.

 

[Chrystal-J]

Hi there, Josh!

If you would have asked this question of me a few years ago, my reply would have been pretty bleak. I had just returned from being hospitalized for depression. My brother had just gone through a rather nasty divorce and was living at my place while I was "away."

Both of us were in pretty poor shape, both mentally and financially. The building where I live was up for sale. The first floor had some rental space that was occupied, so we pooled what money we had and made a down payment. The income was just barely enough to make the building payments and keep food on the table.

Bennie is pretty smart, and had been working as a broker before his divorce. He studied the market pretty had and made some good guesses as to which way the market would go. We won the first roll, which freed us up a little. We bought a second building a few blocks away, and that got us started.

We expanded from there and now do property management on contract. We provide maintenance and repair for six office buildings, three apartment complexes and a rather upscale group of condos.

We are still building and plowing the profits back in to grow the business. We recently added lawn and snow removal to our services.

In a down economy, We have hired thirty people in the last three years.

I thank my Lord and Savior for all of this.

That's a nice testimonial of faith--praise the Lord! It's so wonderful that you never gave up and your life is turning around.

As far as my finances... I don't have very much money coming in since my husband passed away, but I'm a pretty good money manager, so I get by.

 

[FriendlyJosh]

Hi there, Josh!

If you would have asked this question of me a few years ago, my reply would have been pretty bleak. I had just returned from being hospitalized for depression. My brother had just gone through a rather nasty divorce and was living at my place while I was "away."

Both of us were in pretty poor shape, both mentally and financially. The building where I live was up for sale. The first floor had some rental space that was occupied, so we pooled what money we had and made a down payment. The income was just barely enough to make the building payments and keep food on the table.

Bennie is pretty smart, and had been working as a broker before his divorce. He studied the market pretty had and made some good guesses as to which way the market would go. We won the first roll, which freed us up a little. We bought a second building a few blocks away, and that got us started.

We expanded from there and now do property management on contract. We provide maintenance and repair for six office buildings, three apartment complexes and a rather upscale group of condos.

We are still building and plowing the profits back in to grow the business. We recently added lawn and snow removal to our services.

In a down economy, We have hired thirty people in the last three years.

I thank my Lord and Savior for all of this.

Wow that's awesome, you're like a hardcore business owner now very cool, hope the monies rollin in.

 

[eastcoast_bsc]

I was laid off going on two years. Out of the blue a brother of a friends wife put me in touch with her manager. He was the head of IT at a teaching hospital. I interviewed and was to be hired, but the Manager gave his notice, so I was not hired for the position.

He took a position closer to Boston and I contacted him again, there was a position open and he hired me. The money is better than I could have expected, the benefits are solid.

I know that God opened the door and provided the connection. When things happen this easy in my life and the pieces all fall together, then I know it is God.

 

[Virgil the Roman]

Still looking for a full-time job in my field. I've two part-time ones; one's off for the summer. Here's to me find my full-time one in another state! Pray for me. I've got student loan debt to pay off and a few other bills. I need this job.

Just need to get up and off; particularly now that I've year's worth of experience, it's about time, with God's blessing, that I find something full-time (even if, it's far, far away from my folks in small-town, Podunk nowhere. . . I'd go straightaway if it was, but, I'd still be darn lonely out there.)

 

[FriendlyJosh]

I was laid off going on two years. Out of the blue a brother of a friends wife put me in touch with her manager. He was the head of IT at a teaching hospital. I interviewed and was to be hired, but the Manager gave his notice, so I was not hired for the position.

He took a position closer to Boston and I contacted him again, there was a position open and he hired me. The money is better than I could have expected, the benefits are solid.

I know that God opened the door and provided the connection. When things happen this easy in my life and the pieces all fall together, then I know it is God.

Praise The Lord! I pray the job lasts a while and keeps you content

 

[FriendlyJosh]

Still looking for a full-time job in my field. I've two part-time ones; one's off for the summer. Here's to me find my full-time one in another state! Pray for me. I've got student loan debt to pay off and a few other bills. I need this job.

Just need to get up and off; particularly now that I've year's worth of experience, it's about time, with God's blessing, that I find something full-time (even if, it's far, far away from my folks in small-town, Podunk nowhere. . . I'd go straightaway if it was, but, I'd still be darn lonely out there.)

You my prayers brother, I pray The Lord brings you a job soon, close to your family and something that pays well and you enjoy. I also pray The Lord brings you success in all you do. God Bless you!

 

[Virgil the Roman]

I don't expect or as for much. If it's around 27,000 or 30,000 to start off with, that's be fan-freaking-tastic and I'd run, run. I just need something that's:

1. Liveable
2. Allow me to be able to pay off this burden of debt within a reasonable amount of time and stock up on supplies to prep for this looming economic depression . . .

 

[Virgil the Roman]

Thank you so much, Mr Josh! I apprecite all and any prayers. I need all the help and aid that I can get!

 

[WarriorAngel]

i quit my most recent job and have yet to receive my pay.
The training was bad - he had a girl who was in her second week ever - training me. It was awful.
She didnt get me any sales and when she left for the day - i got a sale [finally] on my own. Then my mom died and i just couldnt go back. I really loathed it.
AS i said - have yet to get paid.

I filled out a form online for labor relations. Its going on 2 months and no paycheck.

 

[WarriorAngel]

I want badly to go back to school and get some degree. Pharmacy Tech or Sonogram Tech would work for me. I really want Sonography but no school here for it and the tuition is crazy.

 

[Virgil the Roman]

Pharmacy tech's fine. Do you have a community college by you? My ex went to community college for that and got her degree for it. And that's her job; it's what she does now.